What this MCCB is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3VA1196-5EF32-0AE0 is a SENTRON molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) sized for line protection in distribution panels. It carries a rated continuous current Iu of 16 A and a rated insulation voltage Ui of 800 V, so it handles branch circuits up to that current and withstands the voltage stress of a 690 VAC system without tracking. The interrupting ratings tell the real story: 187 kA at 240 V, 121 kA at 415 V, 75.6 kA at 440 V, and 17 kA at 690 V. That means this breaker can clear a fault at the full available short-circuit current of a large transformer secondary — no need for a current-limiting fuse upstream in most industrial panels. The TM240 overcurrent release is a thermal-magnetic type, fixed at 16 A, with a maximum adjustable time-delay tr of 1 second. No undervoltage release, no shunt trip, no ground-fault monitoring — this is a straight line-protection MCCB for straightforward feeder or branch duty. Four auxiliary switches HQ come built in, giving status feedback for remote indication or PLC inputs. The front face carries IP40 protection — fine for a dry indoor panel, not for washdown zones.
Thermal derating and operating range
Rated 16 A from 40 °C through 50 °C ambient. Above that, the thermal curve pulls current down: 15.36 A at 55 °C, 15.04 A at 60 °C, 14.72 A at 65 °C, and 14.4 A at 70 °C. If the panel runs hot, size the load accordingly — the breaker won't hold its full 16 A above 50 °C. Operating ambient spans -25 °C to 70 °C; storage range is -40 °C to 80 °C. That covers most indoor industrial environments, including unheated warehouses in cold climates.
Mechanical fit and panel integration
Three-pole form factor: width 76.2 mm, height 130 mm, depth 70 mm. The 4 HQ auxiliary switches add width compared to a bare breaker. No communication module, no voltage trigger, no phase-failure detection — this is a dumb breaker. If the BOM calls for remote tripping or metering, you need a different variant with the optional release or communication sled.